Telling a close sister you’ll travel without her

A reader told the Social Q’s columnist that she and her sister are “unusually close,” yet friends who once traveled with them have now invited the reader on another trip and explicitly said the sister is not invited. The reader said the sister can be “extremely challenging” when traveling — “the ugly American causing a scene” — and has had therapy but remains difficult to be around on trips.

The columnist advised that there is nothing wrong with traveling without a close sibling, and said it is understandable that friends would not extend another invitation to someone who made a previous trip unsuccessful. The columnist added that it would not be reasonable for the reader to issue ultimatums demanding her sister be included.

As a way forward, the columnist recommended explaining the situation compassionately to the sister, reminding her of her positive qualities and offering to practice short trips together if she wants to improve. The columnist concluded that the reader can join the group for her own fulfillment while acknowledging the sister may be hurt by the exclusion and hoping she understands.

Key Topics

Culture, Family Travel, Sibling Relationships, Group Travel, Travel Behavior, Therapy